Polish Festival parade popular despite high temps

Monday

Jul 22, 2013 at 5:00 AM

The parade of the 44th annual Bronson Polish Festival Saturday seemed to turn U.S. 12 into a neighborhood.Community members, many meeting up with family or old friends, lined the street and allowed their children to sit on the curb. As it was free of regular traffic for an hour, the curb was a safe front row seat for children hopeful of gathering candy tossed by parade participants.

Rosalie Currier

The parade of the 44th annual Bronson Polish Festival Saturday seemed to turn U.S. 12 into a neighborhood. Community members, many meeting up with family or old friends, lined the street and allowed their children to sit on the curb. As it was free of regular traffic for an hour, the curb was a safe front row seat for children hopeful of gathering candy tossed by parade participants. In the heat at 1 p.m., most people chose to sit in the shade. Where there weren’t trees, some put up canopies, others stepped under awnings or into the shadow of buildings.The crowd stood for the National Anthem and many remained standing in honor of the military participants.The two politicians walking in the parade were State Sen. Bruce Caswell and State Rep. Ken Kurtz. The Barking Lot, a dog grooming business in downtown Bronson, held a sign announcing their entry as the winners of the title “most creative.” The Bronson Church of Christ carried a sign declaring its float was the best overall entry.Grand Marshal of the parade, Bill Ward with his wife, and honorary grand marshal, Terry Siler with his wife, road in a mule-drawn cart.Polish Royalty for the year included Ken Klavinski, king; Evelyn Ludwick Ransbottom, queen; Robert O’Rourke, prince; Kylei Ratkowski, princess; Luke Hardy, junior prince; Daytona Zellner, junior princess.New this year was the Bronson Busia (grandmother). The first recipient was Betty Aleman, 83.While the parade appeared to be a highlight of the festival, the three days were filled with options including activities for children Friday morning and afternoon. An evening outdoor concert, followed by an indoors talent show both drew an attentive crowd.Saturday, there were athletic events taking place around town starting at 9 a.m. A car show was held at Strike Zone and various tractor and truck pulls were held near McDonalds following the parade. Starting on Thursday polka music played downtown and continued through the festival.